Bad Dog Agility Podcast
347 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 129 ratingsDog agility training tips and discussions. We often interview agility instructors and competitors as well.
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Episodes
193: Who is the World Champion in Agility?
April 26, 2018 15:51 - 22 minutes - 16.9 MBIn this episode (22:14) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer outline four international championship events and explain how they differ in format, jump height, and governing organizations. You Will Learn Which international organizations are associated with which championship event. Which USA organization controls the team selection for which championship event. The differences in jump heights between the various events. Which championship event does not allow mixed breed dogs. Me...
192: Technical Debt in Dog Agility
April 19, 2018 20:47 - 32 minutes - 25.3 MBIn this episode (32:04) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban apply the software development concept of technical debt to dog agility. You Will Learn What technical debt is. What problems in agility can be thought of as technical debt. How to determine the true cost of technical debt to your agility training and trialing. Why you might not need to fix every problem in your agility training and handling. Mentioned/Related Episode 77: The Secret to All of Dog Agility Episode 117: D...
191: Interview with Crufts Champion Dave Munnings
April 12, 2018 21:57 - 46 minutes - 35.5 MBIn this episode (46:50) In this episode, 2018 Crufts Champion Dave Munnings joins Sarah and Esteban to talk Crufts, the UK agility scene, running contacts, and more. You Will Learn Who won Crufts. How Dave’s handling has changed over the years. Who Esteban thinks benefits the most from running contacts. Mentioned/Related Crufts Championship Finals – 2018 Q-Me Agility
190: One Million Downloads Plus AKC Nationals Wrap-Up
April 05, 2018 17:17 - 39 minutes - 29.8 MBIn this episode (39:45) In this episode, 2018 American Kennel Club National Agility Champion (16″) Jennifer Crank joins Sarah and Esteban for the AKC Nationals Wrap Up. You Will Learn The qualifying rates for both the Challenger and Finals rounds over the past 3 years. What competitors thought of the courses and surface. What happened when the timer malfunctioned during Jennifer’s winning run in the Finals. About birds that stick together. Mentioned/Related The AKC Nationals Map...
189: How to Structure Your Dog Agility Season
March 30, 2018 19:45 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBIn this episode (49:13) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk with Leslie Eide, DVM about structuring your agility training in a way that gives you peak performance at a specific event. You Will Learn How to plan your time off from agility. How to taper for an event. How to design a training plan for the entire year. Mentioned/Related Jumping Gymnastics Online Course (Fenzi Dog Sports Academy) Visit Dr Eide at SOUND Veterinary Rehab AKC Statistics on the 2018 National Agilit...
188: Handler Desensitization
March 20, 2018 19:55 - 26 minutes - 21 MBIn this episode (26:13) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban about how we can train ourselves to take risks on course. You Will Learn What desensitization is. How desensitization can help us deal with the stress of trials (big and small). Why experienced handlers may lose empathy for newcomers. How we can use desensitization to train ourselves to take risks on course. Mentioned/Related Before and After: 2018 AKC National Agility Championship
187: Physical and Mental Commitment
March 10, 2018 00:06 - 17 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this episode (17:52) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the differences between physical and mental commitment and how this can affect your dog on course. You Will Learn How we define a dog’s commitment to an obstacle. Why commitment is important. How to change your dog’s commitment point. Mentioned/Related Episode 171: Obstacle Focus vs Handler Focus in Dog Agility
186: How to Handle Invisible Obstacles
February 27, 2018 15:26 - 19 minutes - 15 MBIn this episode (19:14) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about everything your dog sees on course that you don’t. You Will Learn That dogs and people see the agility world differently. Which invisible obstacles are the most common. How to deal with blank spaces. About shoemaking. Mentioned/Related Episode 122: Debugging Your Dog Agility Training
185: Interview with Westminster Champion Jessica Ajoux
February 16, 2018 18:53 - 52 minutes - 46.2 MBIn this episode (52:41) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban chat with Jessica Ajoux. Jessica and her border collie Fame(US) won the overall Masters Champion at this past weekend’s Masters Agility Championship at Westminster held in New York City. You Will Learn Why you should consider competing at Westminster at least once. How Jessica manages her dog’s energy. How Jessica deals with mistakes in practice. Mentioned/Related Ready Go Agility Eureka! Stress and Zoomies Episode 121...
Westminster Special: Round Table with Jennifer Crank and Sarah Baker
February 08, 2018 17:57 - 30 minutes - 19.2 MBIn this episode (30:59) Jennifer Crank and Lucky Jennifer Crank and Sarah Baker join Esteban to share their thoughts on the upcoming Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. They also give some advice to dog agility newcomers and discuss being “results oriented” versus “process oriented” in your approach to the sport. Mentioned/Related Buy Tickets for the Event! → Before and After Video Series ← Westminster Special: Living the Dream; Novice to Westminster Westminster Speci...
Westminster Special: Living the Dream; Novice to Westminster
February 05, 2018 17:34 - 42 minutes - 27 MBIn this episode (42:18) In February 2015, Raphael was watching the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster on TV with his rescue dog Ringo and decided, in that moment, that he wanted to be there. In June of 2015, he began training in agility. And now, in February of 2018, he will compete at Westminster. Listen to their remarkable story! Mentioned/Related Buy Tickets for the Event! Westminster Special: Mutt Hysteria (Catching Up With Stacey and Roo!) Episode 177: Westminster Prev...
Westminster Special: Mutt Hysteria (Catching Up With Stacey and Roo!)
February 04, 2018 21:32 - 19 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this episode (19:05) In this episode, Sarah catches up with Stacey Campbell whose rescue dog Roo! became the first “Highest Scoring Mixed Breed in Trial” at the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. Mentioned/Related Buy Tickets for the Event! Episode 177: Westminster Preview with Paul Campanella Episode 153: Interview with 2017 Westminster Champion John Nys Bad Dog Agility Goes to Westminster 2016 Episode 123: The 2016 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Is ...
184: Debunking Your Dog Agility Excuses
January 15, 2018 02:43 - 33 minutes - 26.4 MBIn this episode (33:36) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban expose some of the common excuses people make in dog agility. You Will Learn How excuses can have a detrimental effect on your agility experience. How to identify imagined limits. How to overcome the most common real limits in the sport. How to accept real limitations that cannot currently be overcome. Mentioned/Related Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure
183: Starting 2018 with Start Line Problems
January 05, 2018 19:20 - 40 minutes - 32 MBIn this episode (40.25) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about three different phases with respect to the start line behavior, and common mistakes made by trainers in each phase. You Will Learn The most common start line mistakes that handlers make in trials, in practices, and during retraining. The concept of ring sustainable training. Why Esteban never rewards a dog in position at the start line. A sneaky way to train and proof start lines in the trial environment. How ...
182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure
December 14, 2017 20:17 - 27 minutes - 22.4 MBIn this episode (27:55) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about how you can reject conventional notions of success and create your own agility adventure. You Will Learn Who and what influence your idea of dog agility success. How you can be creative in determining your own agility path. Why letting go of certain goals can be freeing. Why you might be uncomfortable the next time you go to a bar. Mentioned/Related Episode 148: The Paradox of Choice in Dog Agility
181: Should You Use a Clicker During Agility Training?
December 03, 2017 22:26 - 24 minutes - 18.8 MBIn this episode (24:18) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban wonder if agility trainers should use a clicker during sequencing. You Will Learn The difference between clicker training and using a clicker. The benefits of clicker training. How to start using a clicker with an experienced dog. Why dogs don’t dance well. Mentioned/Related Episode 10: Training with Food; Training with a Clicker
180: The Nuance of Speed
November 16, 2017 20:57 - 24 minutes - 18.9 MBIn this episode (24:18) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk about the nuance of speed in dog agility, and how to manipulate handler speed to get great runs on course. You Will Learn The difference between relative and absolute speed. How to vary your speed for maximum benefit on course. How teenage boys feel about facial hair. Mentioned Episode 172: Watching Your Dog on Course Episode 179: Which is Faster, a Front Cross or Rear Cross?
179: Which is Faster, a Front Cross or Rear Cross?
November 03, 2017 15:26 - 44 minutes - 35 MBIn this episode (44:08) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban tackle the question of which is faster: the front cross or the rear cross? You Will Learn The psychology behind the idea that the front cross is faster than the rear cross. When you should choose a rear cross instead of a front cross. Which type of dog does better with front crosses than rear crosses. The importance of timing yourself in training. Mentioned What’s Your Bread and Butter Agility Move? Online Course: 2017...
178: Pushing the Edge
October 27, 2017 17:18 - 24 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode (24:12) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about pushing the edge of commitment to create distance and increase confidence. You Will Learn How to define commitment point. How to change your dog’s commitment point. Why handlers are afraid to push the edge of commitment. Mentioned Speed Statistics Over 19 Years
177: Westminster Preview with Paul Campanella
October 13, 2017 21:57 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBIn this episode (38:01) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the upcoming Masters Agility Championship at Westminster with Paul Campanella, the Director of Companion Events for the Westminster Kennel Club. They will cover new changes to the event, including the $10,000 grand prize, as well as plans for future events. You Will Learn Which club is older, the Westminster Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club. Which agility clubs are eligible for the $10,000 award. Which heig...
176: Second Dog Dynamics
September 30, 2017 20:39 - 32 minutes - 26.1 MBIn this episode (32:37) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the many factors that people should think about when they are looking for the next agility dog. You Will Learn Which factors to consider when you are thinking about your next agility dog. The difference between love and favoritism. The importance of recognizing the unique interests and talents of your new dog. The role that expectation plays in your relationship with your new dog.
175: Putting Yourself On the Spot
September 21, 2017 14:12 - 21 minutes - 20 MBIn this episode (21:48) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about what you can do when you find yourself in a difficult spot on the agility course. You Will Learn How to identify tough spots on course. How to address tough spots with your training. How to generate small variations of tough spots to strengthen your handling. What to call a sharply dressed reptile. Mentioned Episode 73: How to Generalize Behaviors with Your Novice Dog Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for...
174: Changing Your Plans
August 30, 2017 17:08 - 26 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode (26:00) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share their thoughts on how external circumstances often require changes in your agility plans. You Will Learn How to stack your training days to maintain flexibility for bad weather and other intrusions in your routine. How to shift gears in a trial environment. The importance of changing your expectations without sacrificing your criteria at trials. The value of a thesaurus. Mentioned On the Job Training using Placeme...
173: Interview with Silvia Trkman on EO, Course Design, and Handling Challenges
August 22, 2017 15:55 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBIn this episode (33:24) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk with Silvia Trkman about her recent European Open win and how she continues to be competitive in an ever-changing sport. You Will Learn How your attitude toward challenges can affect your enjoyment of the sport and set you up for a career of success. Silvia’s thoughts on course design in Europe. What to watch for when reviewing your runs to increase your dog’s speed and reduce their confusion. How beginners can achiev...
172: Watching Your Dog on Course
August 12, 2017 14:19 - 20 minutes - 16.9 MBIn this episode (20:45) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban discuss what it means to keep an eye on your dog during agility. You Will Learn Why and when you should keep your eyes on your dog. Why and when you should look away from your dog. The importance of using your peripheral vision. Mentioned Episode 171: Obstacle Focus vs Handler Focus in Dog Agility Episode 129: The Connection Paradigm
171: Obstacle Focus vs Handler Focus in Dog Agility
August 04, 2017 17:52 - 17 minutes - 15.1 MBIn this episode (17:43) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the concept of handler focus versus obstacle focus, and how to apply it to your own agility training. You Will Learn What it means for your dog to be handler-focused or obstacle-focused. Which focus you need in order to excel in agility. How a dog’s focus can be obstacle-dependent.
170: Homeostasis in Dog Agility
July 28, 2017 22:15 - 24 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode (24:40) Why is it sometimes so difficult to make changes in your handling? In this episode, Sarah and Esteban apply the concept of homeostasis to dog agility, and explain how you can “reset” your agility equilibrium. You Will Learn The definition of homeostasis. How to leave jumps sooner. A helpful tip for handlers who “body block” their dogs on down contacts. How to get ahead while your dog is weaving. The real secret behind Romeo and Juliet’s love affair. Ment...
169: Creating a Crate to Crate Routine
June 17, 2017 00:26 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBIn this episode (34:35) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk with Jennifer Crank and Sarah Baker about how they manage their time and their dog from the moment they take them out of a crate for a run to the moment they put them back in the crate after the run. You Will Learn When and how to get your dog ready to run. How to structure your dog’s reinforcement schedule around each run at a trial. Common mistakes people make before and after runs. The big mistake people make when ...
168: How to Avoid Tilt in Your Dog Agility Training
June 09, 2017 18:27 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBIn this episode (24:19) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss how to recognize and combat tilt in your dog training. You Will Learn How a moment of tilt can set your dog back in their training. How to recognize and avoid tilting in your agility training. Which dogs are most affected by a handler on tilt. Mentioned Episode 160: How to Work Through Mistakes in Your Agility Training Our LIVE Facebook Show
167: The Dog Agility Spectrum
June 02, 2017 19:06 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode (15:27) What can you do when something works for everyone else’s dog but not your own? In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about understanding your dog’s issues in the context of the agility spectrum. You Will Learn How many dogs earned a qualifying score in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016. Why you shouldn’t feel like you’re the only one dealing with a specific problem in agility. How to find help for your specific problem. Why you should leave your poke...
166: Get Ready for Summer with Brittany Schaezler, DVM
May 26, 2017 19:26 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode (19:50) In this episode, Dr. Brittany Schaezler joins the podcast to get you and your dog ready for summer. You Will Learn When you should stop your training sessions due to heat and fatigue. How you can cool your dog during and after training. Where dogs have sweat glands. Mentioned Episode 8: Using a Camcorder in Training; Heat Stroke & Water Intoxication
165: Should You Be a Dog Agility Minimalist?
May 19, 2017 19:25 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBIn this episode (21:41) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban explore how a minimalist approach to dog agility training can protect people from feeling overwhelmed–especially if they have a dog new to agility. You Will Learn Why Esteban thinks he’s an agility minimalist. How minimalism can protect you from feeling overwhelmed with your new dog. How to identify the essential skills and behaviors needed for the minimalist approach. Proper traffic etiquette.
164: The Value of Outside Influence on Your Dog Agility Training
May 12, 2017 17:11 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode (24:32) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss the impact that external influences can have on your agility, and how you can use them to advance your own training. You Will Learn Who/what your biggest outside influences are. How they affect your training. Why you should embrace outside influences. Mentioned Episode 148: The Paradox of Choice in Dog Agility Episode 42: The Internet, Dog Agility, and You
163: Tips for Memorizing Courses
May 04, 2017 18:49 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this episode (18:46) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban help you memorize your courses by figuring out the dog’s line and the handler’s path and combining them with visualization. You Will Learn Why you should focus on your own path as well as your dog’s. How knowing your dog’s line can reduce your memorization burden. The 3 different views you can have during visualization. Mentioned Episode 87: Improving Your Course Memorization
162: Why Does My Dog Run Slower at the Trial?
April 28, 2017 14:02 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBIn this episode (16:29) Sarah and Esteban talk about dogs that perform better at home than at shows. Some dogs slow down at trials while other dogs run fast but consistently make mistakes on the same thing like start lines or weave poles. We share some tips for both training and trialing to help handlers work through these issues. You Will Learn Why some dogs run slower at shows than at home or practice. Why you need to make your practices harder than the trial. How to “practice” wi...
161: Interview with Junior Handler Sasha Zitter
April 23, 2017 16:25 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBIn this episode (38:53) In this episode, Sarah is joined by Jennifer Crank and Sasha Zitter to talk about the Junior Handler program. You Will Learn How agility can teach children (and adults!) perseverance and sportsmanship. How the Junior Handler program can help grow the sport of dog agility. How clubs can help encourage Junior Handlers. How competitors can help encourage Junior Handlers. How the idea of the Boundless Junior Agility Camp became reality. Mentioned Boundless ...
160: How to Work Through Mistakes in Your Agility Training
April 14, 2017 17:36 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBIn this episode (39:11) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share some thoughts on the exact steps they take when the dog makes a mistake in agility training. You Will Learn Exactly how Esteban and Sarah react to mistakes when training. How to keep your dog’s drive and enthusiasm up in the face of repeated mistakes. Why Sarah uses “microbreaks” with her border collie. Esteban’s thoughts on No Reward Marks (NRMs) in agility training. Mentioned Analyzing Your Mistakes in Dog Agilit...
159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility
April 07, 2017 20:23 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode (23:42) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban apply the concept of “muscle memory” to dog agility. They talk about how it works, why it’s important, and how you can use it to your advantage. You Will Learn The definition of muscle memory. How muscle memory works. Why muscle memory can help your dog agility. The most common way agility handlers undermine their own training. The big problem muscle memory can create for the agility veteran. Mentioned our new Facebook...
158: The 2017 AKC National Agility Championship Wrap-Up
April 01, 2017 17:49 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this episode (37:15) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban are joined by Livestream Finals announcer Brittany Schaezler to wrap up the 2017 AKC National Agility Championship. They talk about the dirt, the judges, the courses, the winners, and their favorite runs from the weekend! You Will Learn If this year’s courses were tougher than last year’s courses. Which course was the toughest this year. How good the footing was for the dogs. Who the winners were for each class. The favo...
157: The Comparison Trap
March 20, 2017 20:32 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIn this episode (25:00) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban explore the good and bad behind comparing your dog and yourself to others in dog agility. You Will Learn How making comparisons can motivate you to improve your agility training. How making comparisons can make you feel bad about your progress in the sport. How realistic it is to never compare yourself to anyone. How focusing on creating the best version of yourself can free you from the comparison trap. What is Mozart’s...
156: How to Practice Effectively
March 09, 2017 22:11 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode (22:14) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban help you practice dog agility more effectively, producing maximal results with minimal time. You Will Learn What exactly constitutes “practice” when you’re training dog agility. How being on the edge of your comfort zone is critical to a successful practice. Why you should avoid Facebook when you train. How elite athletes use relatively short but frequent sessions with breaks to maximize performance. Why you should incor...
155: Three Emotions Keeping You From Setting Agility Goals
March 02, 2017 19:36 - 18 minutes - 17 MBIn this episode (18:34) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about some negative feelings that might be keeping you from setting goals for 2017. You Will Learn How fear, shame and uncertainty can negatively impact your goal setting. Why to be wary of tunnel vision. Why tunnel vision can hold you back from reaching your goals. How to push beyond your comfort zone without suffering from delusions of grandeur. How to power a soccer stadium. Mentioned Episode 44: Dog Agility Dr...
154: Kids and Dogs and Jennifer Crank
February 23, 2017 19:48 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBIn this episode (38:58) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk with USA AKC/FCI World Team member Jennifer Crank about being a mom and competitor while managing a human child in the dog agility world. You Will Learn How far along in their pregnancies both Jennifer and Sarah ran agility. How Jennifer started in the sport as a very young child. Why it’s helpful to establish a relationship with children and their parents at trials if your dog is not good with children. How children ...
153: Interview with 2017 Westminster Champion John Nys
February 15, 2017 19:10 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this episode (26:17) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk with John Nys, the overall winner of this year’s Masters Agility Championship at Westminster about the show, the courses, the crowds, and Madison Square Garden! You Will Learn How border collie Trick overcame injury to win Westminster. How the audience impacts the atmosphere of the trial. How John managed running two dogs in the televised final. What kind of impact Westminster is having on the sport of dog agility. M...
152: Developing Your Social Network in Dog Agility
February 09, 2017 19:43 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBIn this episode (17:52) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban explore social networks in dog agility and share 3 tips for creating your very own powerful support system to get you through the tough times. You Will Learn Why developing your own social network in agility is important. How to develop your personal network by casting a wide net, being proactive, and using technology. How to approach strangers at dog shows (with a video example). A safe, constructive way to complain/vent ...
151: Judging with Video Review
January 05, 2017 20:11 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBIn this episode (39:45) In this podcast, judge Janet Gauntt joins Sarah and Esteban to discuss the video review process that was highlighted at the 2016 USDAA Cynosport. You Will Learn How the video review process works. Which aspects of the run are reviewed. Who is involved in the review process. Mentioned The USDAA article describing the process. You can find over 500 Janet Gauntt courses on Agility Course Maps.
150: The Global Judging Program with Lee Gibson
December 24, 2016 16:42 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this episode (40:32) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban are joined by Lee Gibson to discuss the Global Judging Program. You Will Learn Why Lee Gibson and Greg Derrett joined forces to create the Global Judging Program. The common elements of judging across organizations and around the world. The positive and negative effects competitors can have on judges. The positive and negative effects judges can have on competitors. Fiscal advise for snowmen (and snowomen). Mentioned T...
149: Perception versus Reality
December 06, 2016 20:36 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode (27:22) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban discuss perceptions in agility that are widely held, but not always true. You Will Learn How to determine whether a wrap or slice is faster. (spoiler: trick question) How to determine whether a rear cross or front cross is faster. (spoiler: trick question) How to determine which is faster, a quick dog with shorter strides or a larger dog with long strides. (spoiler: trick question) How to identify perceptions that may be h...
148: The Paradox of Choice in Dog Agility
November 22, 2016 17:53 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode (19:51) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban discuss “the paradox of choice” and how it might apply to dog agility. You Will Learn What “the paradox of choice” is. How the paradox of choice might affect your feelings and perceptions in agility. Who may be susceptible to influence by the paradox of choice. The scariest single digit number. Mentioned Episode 3: Start Line Stays; Online Agility Classes Episode 42: The Internet, Dog Agility, and You The Paradox o...
147: Susan Garrett on Dropped Bars
October 19, 2016 18:47 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBIn this episode (54:46) Sarah and Esteban talk with Susan Garrett about helping your dog drop less bars. You Will Learn Susan Garrett’s protocol for knocked bars, and which dogs it’s appropriate for. Common training mistakes people make when addressing bar knocking. If you should be quiet when your dog is jumping. How to help your dog avoid brushing wings/uprights. How Response Cost influences a dog’s bar knocking. The importance of jump training, handling, and strength and co...